Group trek with a local guide: the must-see sights

At 8:00 am, transfer from your hotel to the Creole village of Dos d'Âne, perched at 900 meters altitude on a plateau offering a spectacular view of the majestic Cirque de Mafate.

Before departure, you will entrust your luggage to our driver. You will find it in Cilaos on day 5, after four days of self-supported trekking through Mafate, with only your hiking bag containing the essentials for this immersion in the heart of one of the wildest cirques of Reunion Island.

Accompanied by your local guide, you will begin this first leg of your trek towards the islet of Aurère. The term "islet" refers to a small, isolated plateau in the heart of a rugged landscape. These places, once difficult to access, notably served as a refuge for runaway slaves known as "Maroons."

A beautiful first day of hiking awaits you, amidst breathtaking landscapes, wild trails, and the discovery of Mafate's history. A picnic prepared by your guide is included so you can fully enjoy this immersive experience.

After breakfast, you continue your crossing of the Cirque de Mafate by taking the legendary GRR2 trail. This second stage plunges you into the heart of the lower part of the cirque, to discover its most isolated and preserved hamlets.

Your route will take you successively through the islet of Malheurs, the islet of Bourse, then Grand-Place-les-Hauts and Grand-Place, true witnesses to the life of Mafate and the history of these remote villages. You will then descend to the footbridge over the Rivière des Galets before reaching the western rampart of the cirque.

A final climb will lead you to your accommodation, perched on a plateau offering exceptional panoramic views of the majestic Mafate landscape. A day rich in discoveries awaits, between breathtaking scenery, wild trails, and immersion in the unique atmosphere of this cirque inaccessible by road.

A picnic prepared by your local guide is included to fully enjoy this stage.

For this third day of crossing the Cirque de Mafate, your guide accompanies you to the islet of Marla, located in the upper part of the cirque, at an altitude of over 1,500 meters.

You will follow the magnificent GRR3 trail, an iconic route that will take you through the hamlet of Roche-Plate, nestled at the foot of the majestic Piton Maïdo. Your journey will then continue to the exceptional natural site of Trois Roches, a must-see in Mafate with its spectacular waterfall plunging into the heart of a unique, rocky landscape. This breathtaking setting will be the perfect place to enjoy your picnic and a well-deserved break.

You will then continue your journey on the GRR3 through the wild terrain of the cirque to reach the charming islet of Marla in the late afternoon, your stop for the night.

A day rich in emotions, between breathtaking panoramas, isolated villages and total immersion in the preserved world of Mafate.

For this fourth day of trekking, you will leave the Cirque de Mafate following the mythical GRR2 trail towards the Creole village of Cilaos, to discover a new natural jewel of Reunion Island: the spectacular Cirque de Cilaos.

The stage begins with crossing the famous Taïbit pass , an iconic route that marks the natural border between the southern part of Mafate and the Cirque de Cilaos. From this high point, you will enjoy exceptional panoramic views of both cirques before beginning the descent towards Cilaos.

A full picnic lunch prepared by your local guide is planned for this day.

In the afternoon, you'll be delighted to return to the comfort of your 3-star hotel and can enjoy its heated pool for a well-deserved moment of relaxation after four days immersed in the heart of Mafate. You'll also collect your luggage, which you'll keep for the next two stages of the trek.

This day will allow those less inclined to walk to rest and enjoy the pleasant setting of our 3-star hotel with its spa and heated pool. Our guide will remain available to accompany those who wish to join us on a magnificent day hike to the Chapelle canyon.

You can also visit the village (its covered market, the famous Cilaos wine cellar, the thermal baths, the arts and crafts archipelago, the Mare à Joncs pond and its lake, etc.) and for the more adventurous among you, opt for a thrilling activity like canyoning in Bras-Rouge or Fleurs Jaunes. Guaranteed excitement!

Optional : Canyoning in Bras-Rouge (€70 per person) or canyoning in Fleurs-Jaunes (€75 per person)

Your adventure continues on the legendary GRR2 trail, leaving the Cirque de Cilaos to reach the Piton des Neiges massif, an emblematic peak of Reunion Island and the highest point in the Indian Ocean at 3,070 meters altitude.

An ancient volcano, now dormant, Piton des Neiges is responsible for the formation of the island's three major cirques and the spectacular landscapes that make Reunion Island famous.

This stage, marked by its ascent, will gradually lead you to the Caverne Dufour refuge, located at an altitude of 2,479 meters. You will spend the night there in a unique mountain atmosphere, allowing you to rest and recharge before the final climb to the summit, where you'll be able to admire the sunrise.

A picnic lunch prepared by your local guide is included for this day.

Accompanied by your local guide, you will leave the refuge in the middle of the night (departure scheduled between 3:00 and 4:30 depending on conditions) to experience one of the highlights of your trek: the ascent of the mythical Piton des Neiges , the highest point in the Indian Ocean with its 3,070 meters of altitude.

The goal of this early morning climb is to reach the summit in time to witness an exceptional natural spectacle: the sunrise from the roof of Reunion Island. A unique moment when the first rays illuminate the island's landscape and reveal a breathtaking panorama of the cirques and the Indian Ocean.

After this magical interlude, you will descend back to the refuge to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast before continuing your journey towards the Bélouve gîte.

You will then take the superb GRR1 trail through the primary forest of Bélouve, a true haven of biodiversity composed of endemic colored trees. The route runs alongside the impressive ramparts of the Cirque de Salazie, the greenest and most lush of the three cirques of Réunion, offering magnificent panoramas throughout the day.

A picnic prepared by your local guide is planned during the hike before your arrival in Bélouve.

Our guide is leading us this morning to the viewpoint overlooking the impressive Trou de Fer waterfalls. We're crossing the lush Bélouve rainforest and its unique endemic species in a setting worthy of Jurassic Park!

Picnic lunch upon our return to the Bélouve gîte, followed by a 1:00 PM transfer towards the Volcano Road (where we'll collect our luggage). The road will offer several spectacular panoramic viewpoints before we finish this day's hike at the end of the GRR2 stage leading to the Volcano Gîte, where we'll spend the night. This end of the day is a true highlight of the trip, with the crossing of the extraordinary Plaine des Sables, famous for its lunar landscapes and vast mineral expanses with striking colors, especially at the end of the day!

To conclude this magnificent adventure, your local guide suggests starting this final day with an exceptional moment: a sunrise overlooking the majestic caldera of Piton de la Fournaise. A unique experience in the heart of breathtaking volcanic landscapes, where the first light reveals the full power of this iconic natural site of Reunion Island.

You will then set off to explore the volcanic enclosure in order to reach the volcano's main crater, taking a more secluded route away from the most frequented trails. Throughout this spectacular hike, your guide will passionately share their knowledge of the island's geological history, volcanic formations, and the secrets of this fascinating place.

This final stage will beautifully conclude your journey across Reunion Island, between cirques, peaks and volcanoes, in the heart of the iconic landscapes of the intense island.

At 2:30 pm, private transfer to your accommodation for the remainder of your stay (to be determined together according to your preferences). Several destinations are possible:

1. Saint-Pierre (South)
2. Saint-Leu (West)
3. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (West)
4. Saint-Denis or Roland Garros airport (supplement of €50 for the North zone)